Video: Academic editor Bruce Johnson tells you what you need to include in a literature review

A literature review in research papers is an essential component that involves a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing literature and scholarly works relevant to a particular research topic. It aims to provide a summary, evaluation, and critical assessment of the existing knowledge and research findings related to the research question or problem being investigated.

It plays a crucial role in the research process by providing a better understanding of existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, informing the research design, and supporting the credibility and quality of the study. It is an integral part of research papers as it helps situate the research within the broader academic conversation and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Literature review helps us in

• establishing the research context by providing the necessary background and context for the study
• identifying research gaps by reviewing existing literature
• building a theoretical framework by identifying theories, concepts, or variables
• supporting research methodology by determining the appropriate research methods
• avoiding duplication and plagiarism by conducting a thorough literature review
• enhancing credibility and quality by establishing that the research is grounded in existing knowledge

Watch this video featuring Bruce Johnson, a humanities and social sciences editor with Editage, with nearly 10 years of experience enhancing texts and manuscripts, where he talks about what you need to write an impressive literature review.